New Sporty driver needs advice

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Greetings my fellow sporty owners. I just got my first car, a '94 sporty EXI. The sporty I got is the first petrol vehicle I've driven and I'm slowly getting used to it. There are a couple of things I'm not sure on though and I could do with a little advice on the following:

* Is there meant to be a whining sound when there's a lot of stress on the alternator? I've noticed that when stood still when idling with all the lights on, or when traversing at reasonable speed, there's a distinct whining sound from someplace in the vehicle which I assume is the alternator.

* It appears the rear demister is stuck on permanently, no amount of jabbing at the button or percussive maintenance does the trick to fix it. Also the hazard warning switch appears non-functional. Whereas the demister switch will audibly click when pressed, the hazard warning switch has nothing there.

* Is it the accelerator meant to be so sensitive? Within the range of about 20% depression of the accelerator I have reached 100% of the acceleration capability, the other 80% or so makes no difference.

* Why is there locking wheels AND a gearstick that selects between 2H, 4H and 4L? Surely with the locking wheels, there'd only be a need for HIGH and LOW gearing? Is it safe to leave the wheels locked and drive in 2H mode?

* Anyone know any good beginners offroading sites around the Birmingham (UK) area? Wink

Thankyou in advance for your patience in answering my questions. So far overlooking these minor problems I'm quite chuffed at the sporty. Ever since a kid I've always admired their styling and overall "go-wherever-you-want" attitude Smile

Hi i`ll try and answer what i

Hi i`ll try and answer what i can.

* Is there meant to be a whining sound when there's a lot of stress on the alternator?
No, sounds like its on the way out mate. I melted mine, had over 700watts of spotlights at the front and not including an amplifier!!

* It appears the rear demister is stuck on permanently, no amount of jabbing at the button or percussive maintenance does the trick to fix it.
Pop it out and have a look with a multimeter, if its gone they are cheap enough second hand.

*Also the hazard warning switch appears non-functional.
Pop it out and have a look with a multimeter, if its gone they are cheap enough second hand.

* Is it the accelerator meant to be so sensitive? Within the range of about 20% depression of the accelerator I have reached 100% of the acceleration capability, the other 80% or so makes no difference.
No probably needs adjusting, or a new cable.

* Why is there locking wheels AND a gearstick that selects between 2H, 4H and 4L? Surely with the locking wheels, there'd only be a need for HIGH and LOW gearing? Is it safe to leave the wheels locked and drive in 2H mode?
2H (2 wheel drive, high range) for on road.
4H (4 wheel drive, high range) for off road.
4L (4 wheel drive, low range) for maximum traction.
Manual free wheeling hubs set to lock for 4wd, when normal 2wd set to free as to save diff wear and petrol (less resistance).

* Anyone know any good beginners offroading sites around the Birmingham (UK) area?
No idea mate, i live in Wales where its off road everywhere!!!lol.

Any more questions just ask and you will probably get an answer. If you are stuck for the switches, i probably will be able to get you them. As ive box fulls of bits and bobs, for the sporty.

Mud makes excellent Toothpaste.

Thanks maniac_jay, I hear ya

Thanks maniac_jay, I hear ya regarding Wales being offroad all the time Wink

As for the switches, if I did need to buy them, how much you want inc. postage?

Jason "Foxdie" Gaunt

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Jason "Foxdie" Gaunt